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Saturday, April 28, 2012

62) Evil Dark by Justin Gustainis

The Blurb :

My name's Markowski. I carry a badge. Also, a crucifix, some wooden stakes, a big vial of holy water, and a 9mm Beretta loaded with silver bullets.

A series of seemingly motiveless murders of supernatural creatures points to a vigilante targeting the supe community. Markowski wouldn't normally have much of a problem with that, but his daughter may be next on the killer's list...

My Review :

I absolutely adore this author and can't get enough of his books. First I fell in love with his Quincey Morris series but now I am deeply and madly in love with the Occult Crimes Unit Investigation's. I thought the debut in the series, Hard Spell, was amazing but this sequel ROCKED!

Markowski is your typical detective. Just think of that usual trench coat wearing cliché but add some silver bullets and a stake or two. Then add all the good bits and pieces from your favourite mystery/cop show and put in some vampires or other Supernaturals as the bad (maybe good) guys. Already you have the special main ingredients of this amazing series. To make it a little more tasty there are some sweet twists, certain unforgettable characters and a whiskey tango foxtrot plot (you will understand that last bit better when this when you read the book!). That isn't all! You have the style and flair of a brilliant writer. Sarcasm, wit and plain old honesty tops off the already fun filled story.

It may sound like I am going over the top but I am not. I really loved this book. It was all I could think about and I would have read this in one gulp if it wasn't for my stupid real life getting in the way ;) I was hooked from the first page and couldn't believe when Markowski actually described the same fear I have. I didn't even think anyone else had that problem. Things only got better when James Bond movie titles got vamped up and other little paranormal delights got weaved into the story to give it even more depth.

The steady but interesting storyline evolved at a perfect pace. I never knew what was coming and the author managed to keep me guessing right till the end. On the one side I was constantly willing Markowski to make the next connection so he could solve the case but on the other hand I was hoping that more would come because I didn't want it to end. I felt like one of the team and I couldn't let go.

Concept wise this is a super idea. Maybe it has been done before in one way or another but Gustainis has put so much originality into this series that it stands out above the rest. Definitely my favourite male writer and also in my top ten of must read/must buy authors. Pure brilliance who always manages to make me laugh out loud while scaring me half to death, I can only highly recommend reading this book and every other one the author has read. Evil Dark will be in the top ten of my favourite reads this year!